Petronila (25) is doing laundry in the new pila (water station) when we arrive at her new Hybrid House in the hidden village of Chuacruz Pujujil, Sololá. Her husband Antonio (27) and children Blanca, Emerson and Osvald greet us with smiles on their faces: Seqar!“ – Welcome!. The fourth child of the family sleeps in a cloth on Petronila’s back. 

“We are very happy and grateful to have this very nice house. Before, we lived in the mud house next door with my parents.” – Petronila recounts – “It was cramped and dark.” 

The new house is bright and protects the family from wind and rain. “Now we have enough space! It makes our life much easier!” – Antonio, tells us. With the house they also received a Healthy Home Kit including a water filter, a smokeless stove and a latrine . 

“Thank you again for this support, God bless you. Our life has improved a lot. Cooking is easier now and the children are no longer in danger of getting burnt from the fire. We can also use water more sparingly!”. As in many remote areas, people have to fetch water from a distant source. 

“Chuaqchic” – Goodbye ; everyone waves to us as we are about to leave her new home. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carlos (44) and Thelma (42) live in their new house in Guastatoya, El Progreso.  

Carlos worked as a mason on a Habitat construction site, which is how they learned about the housing programs . After renting for a long time, they inherited a land and decided to start the construction of their own home.  Now Carlos and Thelma have a nice home for them and their children where they will grow safely. 

“The days of work with the volunteer brigade are unforgettable for us.” – Telma says. “They were all very nice and helpful. We thank them again from the bottom of our hearts for their support and for the wonderful time we spent together.“ Carlos Bolaños. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leslie (35) lives in her new house on the outskirts of Sanarate, El Progreso with her mother Dolores (61) and her son Hessle (14). 

Leslie works at the Social Security Office in Guatemala City. For many years, Leslie and her motherlived with relatives or renting.  

In 2019, they heard about the possibility of building a house with Habitat Guatemala.  

“The local Habitat staff helped us to apply, then everything happened quickly. After only 6 months we moved in!” – she tells us joyfully. “We do feel very secure here.” 

When asked about the experience of working with volunteers, Leslie’s mom said: “We are very grateful for the help of the volunteers.  They were all very nice. We worked, ate and laughed together. We feel a great gratitude”. Leslie.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the small terrace of her house overlooking Guastatoya, El Progreso, Dalila (46) welcomes us with a shy smile. She lives here as a single mother with her youngest daughter Gracieli (16). In the past, Dalila was rejected multiple times for a mortage. After inheritering a land from her father, a donor was found to help her build her home.  

“The Habitat staff here in Guastatoya was very helpful. Over the past 25 years, I have moved many times. I wanted very much to have my own house to live with dignity.” – Dalila 

Dalila and her daughter now have a safe place to call home and also plan to improve the terrace of her house in the future. She wanted to thank the volunteers for their support in building her new home: “It was a pleasure to work with the volunteers. I  invite them to come to visit me soon. I bless each and every one of you. Thank you!“